Sunday, February 17, 2008

1979. My year of birth. It's incredible to think of all the things that happened in 1979 while all I could do was bottle feed and cry. I mean a lot of things happened in 1979.

This record delivers a side of Joy Division that people aren't aware of when listening to most of their studio recordings. They were a more aggressive band in the live space. The drums have a stronger presence and the overall sound is much more gritty. The overall treble is higher.

So much so that Shadowplay and These Days, are perfect day and night examples from their studio recordings viscosity. All the instruments have a sore throat so to speak. It seems ahead of its time.

Transmission and Love Will Tear Us Apart are on the other side of the spectrum. Although completely arguable, I tend to think something is lost in this recording. (you could say something is gained - but I prefer the studio recordings for these songs)

Disorder lies in the middle. Your mood will tell you which you prefer to listen. Right now, this second I prefer this version.